Kindness Rocks day Fort Smith

Published November 30, 2018

The transition from elementary school to junior high comes with excitement and insecurity. On Oct. 12, the sixth-grade students at Immaculate Conception School in Fort Smith came together in the @412 youth building for Leadership Day. The day was facilitated by teachers Tedie Cole and Ann Hill, associate pastor Father Stephen Elser and former students now in high school.

The purpose of the event was to promote leadership and other valuable skills needed for success in junior high — all under the influence of faith. The sixth-graders and seniors were reunited with their pals from kindergarten, who they mentored and guided as sixth graders themselves.

The theme for the day was “Kindness Rocks.” Teacher Ann Hill said the students “focused on the skills of understanding, compassion, empathy and, of course, kindness to all.”

They learned through discussion, skits, videos and art activities the skills that would help them in the transition to junior high.

Students also created a “kindness” rock. The rocks were decorated with words, symbols and pictures unique to each student and will be placed on the front porch of the school to commemorate the day. Inspired by the project, students are free to take a rock, share a rock and create a new rock to spread awareness of the need for kindness.